Dagaoxuan Temple in Beijing
Dagaoxuan Temple (大高玄殿) is located at 21-23 Jing Shan West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区景山西街21、23号). It was built in the 21st year of the Jiajing era (1542) of the Ming Dynasty (明代) and is the only Daoist temple used by the royal families of the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties. It served as a site for Daoist rituals during the Ming Dynasty and as a platform for rain and snow prayers during the Qing Dynasty.
Overview of the Temple
Dagaoxuan Temple is oriented north-south, with a rectangular layout covering an area of approximately 130,000 square meters and a total building area of 5,302 square meters. The main structures include the Mountain Gate (山门), Glazed Door (琉璃门), Dagaoxuan Gate (大高玄门), Bell and Drum Tower (钟鼓楼), Dagaoxuan Hall (大高玄殿), and the Nine Heavens Thunder Altar (九天应元雷坛). The temple complex culminates in two two-story pavilions, named Qianyuan Pavilion (乾元阁) and Kunzheng Hall (坤贞宇), symbolizing the ancient Chinese cosmological concept of “Heaven round and Earth square.” There are also three archways (牌坊) located to the east, south, and west of the Mountain Gate, as well as a ritual pavilion (习礼亭) on the east and west sides.
As the royal Daoist temple during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dagaoxuan Temple played an important role in consolidating feudal rule. Its architectural features also hold significant cultural and historical value in the context of Chinese ancient architecture.
On October 28, 1957, Dagaoxuan Temple was designated as one of the first batch of municipal cultural heritage protection units by the People’s Government of Beijing (北京市人民政府). On November 20, 1996, it was listed as a key cultural heritage site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院).
Historical Development
- In the 21st year of the Jiajing era (1542), Dagaoxuan Temple was established.
- In the 26th year of the Jiajing era (1547), the temple was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt.
- In the 18th year of the Wanli era (1600), the temple was repaired.
- During the Kangxi era (康熙), to avoid using the emperor’s name, it was renamed Dagaoyuan Hall (大高元殿) and later reverted to Dagaoxuan Hall.
- In the 8th year of the Yongzheng era (1730), the temple underwent further renovations.
- In the 11th year of the Qianlong era (1746), another major restoration took place.
- In the 23rd year of the Jiaqing era (1818), the temple was repaired again.
- In 1900, during the invasion by the Eight-Nation Alliance, Dagaoxuan Temple suffered severe damage but was restored later.
- During the Republic of China (民国) period, some buildings in front of Dagaoxuan Temple were demolished and altered.
- In the 14th year of the Republic (1925), Dagaoxuan Temple was placed under the management of the Palace Museum (故宫博物院) and was restored.
- In the 16th year of the Republic (1927), the southern archway was rebuilt using reinforced concrete.
- In the 26th year of the Republic (1937), Dagaoxuan Temple was occupied by Japanese troops after the July 7 Incident.
- In the 38th year of the Republic (1949), it was reclaimed by the Palace Museum and later borrowed by the Central Military Commission.
- In 1956, during road construction from Wenzijun Street to Jingshan Front Street, the three archways, two ritual pavilions, and surrounding walls were dismantled and stored at Yuetan Park.
- In 2004, the southern archway was reconstructed at its original site.
- In May 2013, Dagaoxuan Temple was officially returned to the Palace Museum.
- On April 3, 2015, the temple underwent restoration.
Architectural Layout
Dagaoxuan Temple faces south and is laid out in a north-south rectangular shape, covering an area of approximately 130,000 square meters with a total building area of 5,302 square meters. The main buildings include the Mountain Gate (山门), Glazed Door (琉璃门), Dagaoxuan Gate (大高玄门), Bell and Drum Tower (钟鼓楼), Dagaoxuan Hall (大高玄殿), and the Nine Heavens Thunder Altar (九天应元雷坛), culminating in the two-story pavilions Qianyuan Pavilion (乾元阁) and Kunzheng Hall (坤贞宇).
Main Structures
- Southern Archway (南牌坊): One of the three original archways, it was demolished in 1956 during street expansion and rebuilt in 2004. The reconstructed southern archway features three sections and four pillars, standing 10.08 meters tall and 16.6 meters wide, with a roof covered in yellow glazed tiles and decorative paintings.
- Mountain Gate (山门): Located north of the southern archway, it is known as the “Three Doors” and features a vaulted design. It is the only mountain gate of this style in Beijing.
- Glazed Door (琉璃门): Situated north of the Mountain Gate, it consists of three doors, with the central door being larger.
- Dagaoxuan Gate (大高玄门): This gate, located north of the Glazed Door, has a hall-like structure and sits on a stone base.
- Bell and Drum Tower (钟鼓楼): Located north of the Dagaoxuan Gate, with one tower on each side, they feature a square layout and double-eaved roofs.
- Dagaoxuan Hall (大高玄殿): The main hall, oriented north-south, covers approximately 13,000 square meters and is situated on a base surrounded by a white marble railing.
- Nine Heavens Thunder Altar (九天应元雷坛): Originally dedicated to the deity Zhenwu, this altar sits on a stone base and features intricate carvings.
- Qianyuan Pavilion (乾元阁): This two-story pavilion represents the ancient Chinese cosmological view, symbolizing Heaven and Earth.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Dagaoxuan Temple is the only remaining royal Daoist temple from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. During Daoist festivals, emperors held ceremonies and rituals at Dagaoxuan Temple, especially during times of drought or flooding to pray for rain.
Cultural Heritage Value
As a royal Daoist temple during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dagaoxuan Temple played an important role in reinforcing feudal rule, holding significant cultural and historical value in Chinese ancient architecture.
Cultural Heritage Protection
On October 28, 1957, Dagaoxuan Temple was designated as one of the first municipal cultural heritage protection units by the People’s Government of Beijing. On November 20, 1996, it was listed as a key cultural heritage site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Tourist Information
Geographic Location
Dagaoxuan Temple is located at 21-23 Jing Shan West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区景山西街21、23号).
Transportation Routes
- Public Transportation: Take buses 5, 58, or sightseeing line 3 and get off at the Xibanqiao Station to reach the temple.
- By Car: The People’s Government of Dongcheng District is approximately 5.1 kilometers from Dagaoxuan Temple, taking about 23 minutes by car.
